Magnum Bonum eBook

Johnny himself was pleased and grateful, and had that
sort of satisfaction which belongs to the finding
out of one’s own available talent. He
had done what was pronounced the right thing; and not
only that, but he had liked the doing it, and he declared
himself not afraid to encounter another night alone
with his cousin. He had picked up enough vernacular
German to make himself understood, and indeed was
a decided favourite with Fraulein Rosalie, who would
do anything for her dear young Herr. It was
possible to get a fair amount of sleep, and Dr. Medlicott
felt satisfied that the charge was not too much for
him, and indeed there was no other alternative.
The doctor stayed as long as he could, and did his
best to enliven the dulness by producing a pocketful
of Tauchnitzes, and sitting talking while the patient
dozed. Johnny showed such intelligent curiosity
as to the how and why of the symptoms and their counteraction,
that after some explanation the doctor said, “You
ought to he one of us, my friend.”

“I have sometimes thought about it,” said
John.

“Indeed!” cried the doctor, like an enthusiast
in his profession; and John, though not a ready speaker,
was drawn on by his notes of interest to say, “I
don’t really like anything so much as making
out about man and what one is made of.”

“Physiology?”

“Yes,” said the boy, who had been shy
of uttering the scientific term. “There’s
nothing like it for interest, it seems to me.
Besides, one is more sure of being of use that way
than in any other.”

“Capital! Then what withholds you?
Isn’t it swell enough?”

Johnny laughed and coloured. “I’m
not such a fool, but I am not sure about my people.”

“I thought your uncle was Joseph Brownlow.”

“My aunt would be delighted, but it is my own
people. They would say my education-Eton and
all that-was not intended for it.”

“You may tell them that whatever tends to make
you more thoroughly a man and gentleman, and less
of a mere professional, is a benefit to your work.
The more you are in yourself, the higher your work
will be. I hope you will go to the university.”

“I mean to go up for a scholarship next year;
but I’ve lost a great deal of time now, and
I don’t know how far that will tell.”

“I think you will find that what you may have
lost in time, you will have gained in power.”

“I do want to go in for physical science, but
there’s another difficulty. One of my
cousins does so, but the effect on him has not made
my father like it the better-and-and to tell the
truth-” he half mumbled, “it makes me
doubt-”

“The effect on his faith?”

“Yes.”

“If faith is unsettled by looking deeper into
the mysteries of God’s works it cannot have
been substantial faith, but merely outward, thoughtless
reception,” said the doctor, as he met two thoughtful
dark eyes fixed on him in inquiry and consideration.